Access to Justice Board

Recognizing that access to the civil justice system is a fundamental right, the Access to Justice Board (ATJ Board) works to achieve equal access for those facing economic and other significant barriers. The ATJ Board was established by the Washington Supreme Court in 1994 at the request of the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors in response to a growing need to coordinate access to justice efforts in Washington. The ATJ Board also oversees the work of a number of standing committees and special initiatives to address access issues. The standing committees include the Communications Committee, Delivery System Committee, Rules Committee, Technology Committee, the Equal Justice Coalition, and the Pro Bono Council. The ATJ Board reports annually to the Washington Supreme Court and the Washington State Bar Association.

State Plan for the Coordinated Delivery of Civil Legal Aid to Low-Income People

The ATJ Board is charged with planning for the statewide delivery of civil legal aid services. The recently adopted 2018-2020 State Plan for the Coordinated Delivery of Civil Legal Aid to Low Income People is the blueprint for this work. The purpose of the State Plan is to expand access to our civil justice system and identify and eliminate barriers that perpetuate poverty and deny justice. The State Plan sets forth five goals that represent a universal commitment of all Alliance for Equal Justice members as well as strategies and implementation steps to fulfill those goals.

Access to Justice Board Meetings

The ATJ Board meets once a month. View the 2017-2018 meeting schedule. Most meetings are held in Seattle at the Washington State Bar Association from 10 a.m. - noon, unless otherwise noted. Everyone is welcome to attend a meeting in person or via teleconference. If you are interested in receiving notices of meetings, please email atj@wsba.org.

Access to Justice Board Members

The ATJ Board consists of 10-11 members nominated by the WSBA Board of Governors and appointed by the Washington Supreme Court. Members are appointed based on experience and commitment to expanding access to justice. View the ATJ Board Roster or contact the Board Chair, Geoffrey Revelle.